Deputy Prime Minister of the Primorsky Territory Nikolai Stetsko announced through his book telegram channel that the Poltavka border checkpoint on the Russia-China border in Primorye has become fully operational for cargo traffic. The message highlighted a remarkable turnaround, noting that a bridge was restored, the building repaired, and equipment upgraded in a record two months. This rapid restoration underlines the region’s commitment to strengthening cross-border logistics and regional trade. Stetsko emphasized that freight traffic is already on the rise and that efforts to open the passenger compartment are being prioritized to accelerate cross-border movement, praising the collaborative spirit of officials, business leaders, and workers across government agencies. He described the joint effort as deeply moving and gratifying, reflecting a shared patriotism and a readiness to support economic ties between Russia and its neighbors. [Citation: Primorsky Territory administration report]
In the broader context, authorities had already observed a significant uptick in foreign visitors to the Primorsky Territory since the start of 2023. The region reported a dramatic increase, with numbers rising more than twenty-sevenfold compared with the same period the year before. This surge aligns with ongoing efforts to boost international tourism and diversify the local economy, including new routes and improved border infrastructure that facilitate easier access for international travelers and business travelers alike. [Citation: Regional tourism analytics]
Data for the first nine months of 2023 show that visitors to the Primorsky Territory exceeded 133 thousand, a notable rise compared with the prior year. The prior year’s figure stood at around five thousand visitors, underscoring how unusual the growth has been. This trend reflects amplified interest from travelers seeking access to the region’s cultural, ecological, and economic opportunities, as well as the potential for increased bilateral exchanges with neighboring countries. [Citation: Border crossing statistics]
Among the foreign visitors, Chinese citizens accounted for more than half of the tourist presence, indicating strong cross-border interest and established travel patterns in the area. Other nationals including residents of Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Taiwan, France, Mexico, and multiple additional countries have also visited the region, illustrating the region’s appeal as a gateway for diverse international tourism and business travel. The mix of visitors reinforces the importance of maintaining efficient border procedures, reliable transportation links, and safe, welcoming border services. [Citation: Tourism composition report]
Historically, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has referenced the BRICS framework in the context of regional cooperation initiatives, signaling the broader diplomatic and economic channels that influence cross-border activity in the region. The ongoing development of the Primorsky border corridor can be seen as part of a wider pattern of collaboration among economies within this sphere, aimed at expanding trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges across Asia and beyond. [Citation: China MFA BRICS notes]
Overall, the Poltavka checkpoint’s operational status for cargo traffic, the rapid refurbishment of critical infrastructure, and the expanding flow of international visitors collectively point to a heightened pace of regional connectivity. Policy makers and business communities continue to monitor freight volumes, passenger service offerings, and visitor demographics as indicators of economic vitality and international engagement in the border region. The combined effect is a more integrated supply chain and a broader platform for cross-border commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange that benefits both sides of the border and strengthens regional resilience in the face of shifting global currents. [Citation: Regional economic outlook]